LA FERMETE

Bordered by forests and valleys, this charming commune, cradled by the River Ixeure, is situated to the north of the Communauté de Communes Sud Nivernais, and covers an area of 3,600 hectares.
In the centre of the village, its large tree-lined square invites you to relax under the lime, plane and chestnut trees, most of which are over a hundred years old.
The commune was formed in 1793 from two parishes: Cigogne and Prye-sur-Ixeure, which became La Fermeté.

La Fermeté was home to an intense monastic life, including a convent of nuns (a former Benedictine priory from 1240 to 1792). Unfortunately, an arson attack ruined the buildings, leaving only a few vestiges visible today at a place called "Le Couvent".
Located in the locality of the same name, Château de Cigogne boasts a 15th-century tower and a Renaissance staircase turret flanked by a bretèche. This private château is not open to the public.

Château de Prye, which dates from the 17th and 19th centuries, was owned by Marie-Casimir de La Grange d'Arquien, Queen of Poland from 1674 to 1696. Now privately owned, the exterior of the château and its remarkable marble stables can be visited on Heritage Days, by appointment for groups or during cultural events. The château's reception rooms are ideal for weddings.
Original: don't look for the church in the village, it's in the hamlet of Prye. This former private chapel of the château was made available by the Marquis de Bourg de Bozas in the 19th century.

There are two signposted footpaths starting from the village square, and at Le Magny, the Haras du Magny offers rides with saddle and harness donkeys.

From the town hall, you can also follow the Ixeure mountain bike trail (26 km). Most of this loop follows the "De Cigogne à la Chaluère" hiking trail.